International Collaborations and Agreements Policy

1. The purpose of our policy 

Our International Collaborations and Agreements Policy sets out the framework for establishing, managing and governing international collaborations between Adelaide University and international institutions or international individuals with the aim of enhancing mutual learning, teaching, research and innovation.

It supports the development and maintenance of productive and sustainable collaborations that align our strategic objectives and ensures associated value and risks are appropriately assessed and managed.

It also provides the authority to maintain our International Collaborations and Agreements Procedure.

2. Who our policy applies to

2.1 Inclusions

Our International Collaborations and Agreements Policy applies to Adelaide University personnel engaged in the development and maintenance of international collaborations and agreements including:

• general academic, research and teaching collaborations with international institutions (such as memoranda of understanding, letters of intent, and cooperation agreements)
• mobility programs for staff and students (including coursework and graduate research students)
• pathways and articulation programs (such as English language pathways, articulations, credit transfers and dual awards)
• sponsorships, scholarships and philanthropy
• general research-related activities with international partners (such as research memoranda of understanding, research training, joint supervision and, visiting fellowships).

Implementation of this Policy must align with Adelaide University’s Code of Conduct and our mission, values and focus, as well as the Interim Foreign Compliance Policy and Procedure. Any perceived or actual attempt to improperly influence decisions or actions under this Policy must be reported in accordance with the [Fraud and Corruption Control Policy].

Collaborations with international institutions that involve research-related activities must also comply with the [Research Operations Policy] and collaborations that involve philanthropy must comply with the [Philanthropy and Fundraising Policy].

2.2 Exclusions

This policy does not apply to domestic research-related activities, consultancies, sponsorships or industry agreements that involve domestic partners.

3. Our International Collaborations and Agreements Policy principles

International collaborations expand our networks, enhance our reputation, support academic and research outcomes, strengthen our educational offerings, and enable us to contribute meaningfully to the global community. International collaborations must:

• reflect our mission and values and align with our strategic priorities
• not pose an unacceptable commercial, legal or reputational risk, a risk to our brand, operations, or existing relationships
• comply with relevant Australian and international legislative and regulatory requirements including the  Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018, Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020, Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in Australian Universities, and applicable export control laws
• uphold the highest ethical standards, including respect for intellectual property rights and academic freedom, and align with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• aim to build strong relationships, deliver mutually beneficial outcomes, enable diverse opportunities for engagement, and provide a positive return on investment for all parties
• align with relevant Adelaide University Policies and Procedures (see Appendix 1).
• be endorsed in accordance with the [Delegation Policy].

Due diligence must be conducted on proposed collaborators to mitigate risks associated with non-viable, disreputable, or unethical collaboration. This includes submitting a Foreign Compliance Review as outlined in the Interim Foreign Compliance Policy and Procedure.

Where appropriate, international collaborations may be formalised as agreements. International agreements must:

• be approved and signed in accordance with Adelaide University’s governance framework and [Delegation Policy]
• clearly articulate the rights, responsibilities and obligations of the parties involved
• be readily capable of being operationalised and be no longer than five-years, unless the business case strongly supports a longer term
• be subject to regular reviews and may be varied, extended, renewed or terminated in accordance with relevant Adelaide University Policies and Procedures (see Appendix 1).

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement is responsible for the strategic management of this policy to enable and ensure a centralised, strategic approach.

Global Partnerships will assist in managing activities associated with this policy by:

• regularly reviewing the Policy for continuing relevance and impact on Adelaide University’s activities
• maintain a record of International Agreements that Adelaide University enters into via the International Agreements Database
• notify the Minister for Foreign Affairs of arrangements, as required under the Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020, except for all research arrangements which are notified through [Research Services].

4. Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University Glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Due Diligence refers to the process where all reasonable steps are taken to obtain relevant information that will help reduce the risk of making an uninformed decision.

International agreement refers to a formal document recognising the establishment of a relations between Adelaide University and an International Institution for (a) learning, teaching and/or research and innovation activities.

International collaboration refers to any type of collaboration, whether written or unwritten, with International Institutions and International Individuals.

International individual refers to a natural person who is either a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than Australia and includes a person with dual citizenship.

International institution refers to foreign higher education institutions, research institutions, industry, foreign governments, foreign political organisations, foreign government-related entities, sponsors, scholarship providers, as well as organisations or corporations that are not governed exclusively by the laws of Australia and, for the purpose of this Policy, includes Australia-based branches and agencies of International Institutions.

Memorandum of understanding (MoU) is an over-arching high-level agreement that reflects Adelaide University’s intention to collaborate with another entity (or entities) without yet committing to specific activities, projects or programs, resource inputs or outcomes. An MoU is used to formalise a relationship and provides the opportunity to explore potential collaborations of mutual benefit.

5. How our policy is governed

Our Policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. Legislation and other documents related to our policy

7. History of changes

Note on structures, positions and position titles:

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions, committees, or any other unknown item etc. for Adelaide University have not been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose such information in this procedure until confirmed.

Appendix 1 – Policies and Procedures related to international collaborations and agreements.